"Patients' Choice Award" by Vitals.com

Dr. Sam Naficy has been awarded the "Patients' Choice Award" by Vitals.com - a website dedicated to rating the quality of physicians across the country. Out of 720,000 physicians, only 5% received this honor.

Announcement

CASE OF THE MONTH

Seattle rhinoplasty surgeon Sam Naficy, MD performed this rhinoplasty procedure to help refine the tip and reduce the hump on the bridge of the nose. The patient also had a deviated septum which was corrected at the same time as the rhinoplasty.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SEEING WHAT YOUR NOSE COULD LOOK LIKE AFTER A RHINOPLASTY?

Seattle rhinoplasty surgeon Dr. Sam Naficy can perform computer simulations to help you visualize the potential outcome of rhinoplasty. Check out this link for more details about rhinoplasty simulations. Also, if you are wondering whether you would be a good candidate for rhinoplasty, you may submit your photographs to us for a virtual consultation.

Announcement

DR. SAM NAFICY VOTED TOP SEATTLE PLASTIC SURGEON FOR THE FACE

Voted by his medical peers for his expertise in rhinoplasty and facial cosmetic surgerySeattle Magazine

Rhinoplasty FAQs

Below you will find a list of some of the more common questions related to rhinoplasty that our patients have asked over the years. If you have a question for which you don't see an answer here, we welcome you to ask us.

Why is a nose job called rhinoplasty?

The word "rhino" means "nose" and the word "plasty" means "to shape or to mold." So "rhinoplasty" literally means "to shape or mold the nose".

What features can be improved with rhinoplasty?

A number of changes to the shape of the nose can be made with rhinoplasty. Noses can be made smaller or larger, narrower or wider, shorter or longer. Bumps on the bridge can be corrected, and droopy noses can be lifted.

How is the surgery performed?

The surgery is performed by reshaping the cartilage and bone under the skin of the nose. After these deep structures are reshaped appropriately, the skin redrapes over the new framework.

Are there cuts outside the nose?

Most of the incisions (cuts) for rhinoplasty are made inside the nose. There are situations that require small incisions to be made outside the nose. These are typically placed in well-hidden areas.

Are there visible scars after the surgery?

Typically, most of the incisions are inside the nose and the small incisions that may need to be placed outside tend to heal nicely. Thick or raised scars or keloids are extremely rare after rhinoplasty.

Will everyone know that I have had a nose job?

The goal of rhinoplasty is to bring the nose in harmony with the rest of the face. Typically, after rhinoplasty, people will comment on the fact that you look better, but most may not notice that your nose is different. After rhinoplasty, people will tend to notice other features of your face, previously masked by your nose, such as your eyes and your lips.

How soon can I go back to work or school?

One week is typically enough time for returning to work or school. At that time the dressing is removed from the nose and make-up may be worn on the face. See the recovery section of this website for pictures one week after rhinoplasty.

Will I get black eyes?

Not everyone will get bruising around the eyes after rhinoplasty. If black eyes do appear, they typically resolve within 7-10 days after the procedure. Avoiding certain medications or herbal supplements that may thin the blood will help reduce the risk of bruising after rhinoplasty.

Is there packing inside the nose?

Dr. Naficy uses modern techniques of nasal surgery that do not require any packing in the nose. This makes the recovery of his patients much easier in comparison to the older techniques that require packing.

Can I breathe through my nose after the surgery?

Typically, you can breathe though your nose after surgery. There will be some swelling of the nose during the healing process, which will make you somewhat congested, similar to having a cold.

Do you have to break the nose?

It is not always necessary to reshape or modify the nasal bones after rhinoplasty. Many patients just need work done on the cartilages of the nose and the bone may be left untouched. People with wide nasal bones, asymmetric nasal bones, or large bony humps may require reshaping of the nasal bones.

What kind of dressing is used?

The dressing used after rhinoplasty is made up of tape over the bridge of the nose and a thin but rigid protective cover that is custom-fitted to match the shape of your nose. The nostril area is left open for breathing and the eyes are not covered.

Are there stitches in the nose?

There are small sutures (stitches) inside the nose and where outer incisions have been made. These are all self-dissolving and do not need to be removed.

How bad is the pain?

The discomfort after rhinoplasty is typically minimal. Most of our patients may need to take prescription pain medication on the first night after the procedure but by the next day they no longer need to. Many patients only need to take Tylenol for discomfort.

How long does the swelling last?

Most of the swelling resolves within a week. See the recovery section of this website for pictures one week after rhinoplasty. By around 2-3 weeks, typically 80% of the swelling is gone. The remainder of the swelling will gradually fade over the course of the next 6 to12 months.

How soon can I start to exercise?

Light aerobic exercise may be resumed at one week. Strenuous exercise or weight lifting can be resumed at two weeks.

At what age are you old enough to have a rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty can be performed on young men and woman after their facial growth has been completed. This typically translates into age 15-16 for woman and 16-17 for men.

At what age are you too old to have a rhinoplasty?

As long as the individual is in good health, there is no upper age limit for rhinoplasty.

What is a deviated septum?

The septum is a partition that divides the nose into two compartments. It is made up of both bone and cartilage, which are covered on both sides with the mucous membrane of the nose. When the septum is not straight (deviated or crooked septum), there is usually obstruction of the nasal passages that can involve one or both sides.

What is septoplasty?

Septoplasty is the term used for surgical correction of a deviated septum. It involves reshaping of the abnormally shaped septum into a straighter configuration.

Does insurance ever pay for rhinoplasty surgery?

Your insurance carrier will not cover any costs associated with cosmetic enhancements made to improve the appearance of your nose. You are responsible for all fees associated with the cosmetic component of the procedure and this is the portion of the fee that is collected up-front. Your insurance carrier will typically cover the cost of reconstructive procedures performed to improve the function of breathing passages.

What are the risks of surgery?

Risks of rhinoplasty are typically minimal but may involve bleeding and nasal obstruction. During your consultation and/or preoperative visit, a full disclosure of the potential risks and complications will be made.

How long is the surgery?

The length of surgery depends on what needs to be performed but typically ranges from 2 to 3 hours.

What type of anesthesia is used?

How do I choose a surgeon?

There are a number of important considerations in choosing a good rhinoplasty surgeon. We have outlined some of these key elements for you in the consultation page of this website.

What if I have had a rhinoplasty and I am unhappy with the result?

If the outcome form rhinoplasty is not completely desirable, a revision surgery may be performed to further improve the nose. It is a good idea however to wait at least one full year after the initial surgery because the nose continues to develop its shape for up to one year after the rhinoplasty procedure.

If I have a rhinoplasty will it create problems with my nose or sinuses later in life?

Rhinoplasty surgery typically does not create sinus problems. If rhinoplasty is performed to make a nose considerably smaller, there is a potential of creating breathing difficulty, particularly if there is a deviated septum present and if it is not addressed at the
same time.

Can I have a rhinoplasty if I have allergies or sinus problems?

If there are allergies or sinus infections present, rhinoplasty surgery can still be performed. If there is an active sinus infection present, it is a good idea however to get the condition under control before proceeding with a rhinoplasty procedure. Many people suffering from allergies and sinus conditions may also have a deviated septum. Correction of the deviated septum at the same time as the rhinoplasty can often help improve their breathing passages.